This Marinated Veggie Salad is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet dish that brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions in a zesty vinegar-based dressing. It’s the perfect quick side dish for summer dinners, backyard barbecues, or potlucks.
A light, healthy, and flavor-packed salad with just minutes of prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥗 Fresh & Flavorful: The marinated veggies soak up a tangy-sweet dressing that enhances every bite.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: No cooking required—just slice, toss, and chill.
- 🍴 Great for Any Meal: Perfect alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing appetizer.
- 🧊 Chilled & Crisp: Keeps well in the fridge—ideal for meal prep or picnic baskets.
- 🌿 Customizable: Add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flair.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Veggies:
- 3 medium cucumbers , peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium red onion , thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes , cut into wedges (or cherry tomatoes halved)
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for milder flavor)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste – honey or maple syrup work too)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil for richer taste)
- 1 cup water (to balance the acidity and enhance marination)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Wash and prepare:
- Cucumbers: Peel and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds
- Onion: Thinly slice into half-moons
- Tomatoes: Cut into wedges or halves if using larger ones
Place all veggies into a large mixing bowl.
Toss gently to combine.
Step 2: Make the Marinating Dressing
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
- Vinegar
- Sugar (until dissolved)
- Salt and pepper
- Oil
- Water
Whisk until fully blended and sugar is mostly dissolved.
Step 3: Combine & Chill
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours , but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Serve Chilled & Refreshing
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the marinade.
Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish or topping.
Enjoy its crisp texture and tangy bite—it’s pure summer in a bowl!
Tips for Success:
- 🥒 Drain Excess Liquid: If tomatoes release too much juice, drain some before serving.
- 🍯 Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on how tart you like it.
- 🧄 Add Garlic or Herbs: Mince a clove or two of garlic or add fresh dill for extra depth.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Tastes better after sitting overnight—great for meal prep.
- 🌿 Herb Boost: Fresh dill, parsley, or basil elevate the flavor instantly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or fish tacos.
- Great alongside rice dishes, wraps, or flatbreads.
- Ideal for picnics, cookouts, or school lunches.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings – approximate):
(Per serving without optional additions)
- Calories: ~80 kcal
- Protein: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~4g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~5g
This Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that highlights the beauty of fresh produce and bold flavors. With its tangy dressing and crisp textures—it’s a go-to side for warm weather meals.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you try it—you’ll be making it all season long!
